As mentioned, Angels are missing a tiny bit of the 15th chromosome from the mother. So when the DNA needs to turn that part of the chromosome ‘on’, nothing happens. However, there also is a 15th chromosome from the father, and that is (almost) the same chromosome. One of the cures which is being developed is a medicine, which tells the body to turn ‘on’ the father’s 15th chromosome instead. Sounds simple enough, but is proving to be extremely difficult.

Leading laboratories around the world (America, Israel, Italy and The Netherlands) have been working together because they know this could be the first genetic disorder that actually can be cured. As an added bonus, not only the ‘Angels’ will benefit from this research; there are several disorders connected to the 15th chromosome and they will all benefit. And the method of working with chromosomes that is now being developed to cure Angelman, will help to cure other genetic disorders as well.

One of the leading professors in charge of this research is Prof. Dr. Ype Elgersma, who works in the Erasmus MC in Rotterdam. His team has already developed a few drugs that will compensate for some of the effects of Angelman, which are now in the ‘Clinical Trial’-phase, so it is very close to being made available for the general public. However, none of these drugs have a lasting result.

In short: the whole point of raising money is to finance the most promising on going research for a long term treatment. This decision will be made by the board of scientist forming the Angelman Syndrome Alliance.

Since the Channel Swimming Association (CSA) was founded in 1927, there has been a total of 1,695 solo swims. This means the number of people who have successfully swam across the Channel according to the CSA rules book (see below).

In 2020, just 43 people swam across the Channel.

The first person to have officially swam across the Channel was Captain Mathew Webb in 21 hours and 45 minutes and he did breaststroke all the way.

Over the years around a dozen people have died while pushing their limits in the cold waters.

I feel privileged to be able to take part in such an exclusive event !

They have managed to stay true to the origins of the sport and keeping the difficulty level set at HIGH.

The rules say that a swimmer may wear: “only ONE STANDARD swimming cap”; “only ONE STANDARD swimming costume” and “goggles, nose-clip, ear plugs and grease”. This means no matter how cold the water is Wetsuits are NOT allowed.

When looking at what help can be provided by the boat: “The swimmer receives no help and must not be touched by anyone, but may be handed food & drink”. This means the swimmer must stay afloat using only his own body strength at all times.

When looking at the arrival condition in France: “The swim finishes on the natural shore, with no sea-water beyond, unless the finish is against steep cliffs with no sea-water beyond, in which case it is sufficient to touch them”. Then lookin a bit further it mentions that celebration on the french beach may not take more than 15 minutes. Beyond that time the swimmer and the crew are considered to have entered France illegaly via an unauthorized border.